'Operations opposite Polderhoek 27th November to 1st December 1917. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. During the above period this N.C.O. was in command of the Battalion Carrying Party bringing rations up to the troops in the Front line. The enemy shelled the track at dusk and dawn with H.E shrapnel, and also with Machine Guns, but Sergt Brien personally led his party through the barrage, where a less resolute leader would not have succeeded. He never once failed to bring up hot rations to the men in the trenches, and in these duties showed marked powers of command, initiative and readiness to assume responsibility. He showed the greatest devotion to duty, an utter disregard for danger, and his services were of the greatest value to his Battalion.'
Source: 'London Gazette'
Date: 13 March 1918

Regimental number	6/1785
Address	Shearman Street, Waimate
Marital status	Single
Next of kin	Mother, Mrs J Brien, Shearman Street, Waimate
Rank on embarkation	Lance Corporal
Enlistment status	Volunteer
Unit name	New Zealand Expeditionary Force, 4th Reinforcements, Canterbury Infantry Battalion
Embarkation details	Unit embarked from Wellington on board HMNZT 21 Willochra on 17 April 1915
Final rank	Sergeant
Final unit	2nd Battalion, Canterbury Infantry Regiment
Fate	Killed in Action 13 December 1917
Age at death from cemetery records	29
Place of burial	Polygon Wood Cemetery (Row D, Grave No 14), Belgium
Miscellaneous information from cemetery records	Parents: Jessie Brien, Waimate, Timaru, and the late Robert Brien
Medals	Military Medal 'Operations opposite Polderhoek 27th November to 1st December 1917. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. During the above period this N.C.O. was in command of the Battalion Carrying Party bringing rations up to the troops in the Front line. The enemy shelled the track at dusk and dawn with H.E shrapnel, and also with Machine Guns, but Sergt Brien personally led his party through the barrage, where a less resolute leader would not have succeeded. He never once failed to bring up hot rations to the men in the trenches, and in these duties showed marked powers of command, initiative and readiness to assume responsibility. He showed the greatest devotion to duty, an utter disregard for danger, and his services were of the greatest value to his Battalion.' Source: 'London Gazette' Date: 13 March 1918
Other details	War service: Egypt, Gallipoli, Western Front Medals: Military Medal, 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal
Miscellaneous details	Nominal Roll Vol. 1: Canterbury Infantry Batln/Fourth